Portuguese military hosts training for U.S. Marines

Photo By Cpl. Alexander Hill | U.S. and Portuguese Marines stand together outside of the Marine School aboard Lisbon Naval Base, Portugal, during bilateral training, May 14, 2014. The training allowed the partners to improve cooperation and facilitate future engagements. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Alexander Hill/Released)  

MORON AIR BASE, SPAIN

05.14.2014

Story by Capt. David David 

U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe and Africa     

MORON AIR BASE, Spain - The Portuguese Marines – known locally as Fuzileiros – from 2nd Fuzileiro Battalion met their American counterparts as part of a joint effort to increase international cooperation and facilitate future engagements.

“A lot of this training is just seeing how other forces operate and what their (standard operating procedures) are,” said 1st Lt. Nicholas Honan, the platoon commander for the group from SP-MAGTF Crisis Response. “We learned quite a few things from them, and I think they got a lot of good tactics from us as well.”

During the course of the week, the units conducted various training events to include foreign weapons familiarization, live-fire ranges, military operations in urban terrain, aviation assault support classes and integrated unit raids. Both the U.S. and Portuguese Marines saw the training as a way to test themselves against their foreign partners.

“There was some competing involved, of course. It was always light hearted and friendly,” said Honan. “For instance, when they were shooting each other with the paintballs during the military operations in urban terrain - they were having a good time. You always want to outperform, but it never got cut throat.”

Several high ranking officials visited the training including U.S. ambassador to Portugal, Robert Sherman and Portuguese Navy Fleet Commander, Vice Admiral Jose Monteiro Montenegro.

The week of training concluded with an obstacle course and brief ceremony. Both groups exchanged gifts in appreciation for the time spent and learning provided by their international comrades.

“We established a lot of rapport with them,” said Honan. “The Marines were able to form lasting relations with (the Fuzileiros). They were very humble, welcoming and hospitable to us during the training.”

• Date Taken: 05.14.2014
• Date Posted: 05.19.2014 10:59
• Story ID: 130273
• Location: MORON AIR BASE, ES